If I had started blogging in high school this list also would’ve included

How I started reading the series when the first movie came out in 2001.

That I finished the first 4 books in a week.

All of the midnight runs to Wal-Mart to purchase the latest books.

The three times I’ve re-read the series

Falling asleep fully clothed on the couch waiting to pick up Harry Potter 7 the night it was released.

Dressing up in costume to see the midnight releases of the Harry Potter movies in college

Etc. 🙂

I’m a Harry Potter fan, my family are Harry Potter fans, and together we took up an entire row in the theater this evening – complete with two containers of popcorn (I had a few handfuls through the movie) and 4 medium drinks.

Part II begins right where Part I dropped off. It immediately dives back into the action and barely gives you a minute to catch your breath or think “wait a minute? what happened in part I again?” (This was when I realized I should’ve re-watched part I before seeing part II – the memories were a little stale after 6 months and the memories of reading the book 3? 4? years ago were even staler).

The movie moved fast. There was constant action, a few tears, and a lot of sitting on the edge of my seat in suspense. Seeing all of the familiar faces from the past 7 movies return for the finale had me smiling – especially the minor role characters – which the director could’ve easily cut – were left in to say their final good byes.

I’m not sure how many fans outs there haven’t read the book or seen the movie yet, so I’ll hold my tongue on specific details regarding the movie. But, trust me – it was one of my favorite Harry Potter movies yet!

The best part was actually seeing Neville man up and kick some bad guy booty.

Hubba. Hubba. He can use his magic to save my life anytime he wants. 😉

(Is it weird saying that after seeing him grow up on screen the last ten years? Michelle and Julie were having the same debate at lunch today.)

The movie was a little bittersweet. Yes, I was counting down the days for the final installment, but with the books done and the movies finished – what’s next? Pottermore, perhaps?;)

I’m staying with my sister and her fiance tonight. After the movie we went back to her place and made a batch of bean burgers for dinner.

Kelly and Anthony are skilled in the bean making department. They mush the beans by hand with a fork and add a liberal amount of bread crumbs until they’ve reached bean burger perfection.

eeeekkkkk…. My first speaking gig is now over. Time to treat the sweat stains, steady my shaking voice, and float back to earth. The Good News: I survived. People laughed. People cried (ok, only I cried). And I made new supportive twitter friends who I want to hug and follow forever and ever. The Bad more »